The rich aroma of a warm Gateau Basque Cake wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses with its buttery crust and sweet cherry filling. Imagine slicing into this delightful dessert, revealing layers that promise both nostalgia and indulgence. It’s like a hug from your grandmother wrapped in pastry, perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy afternoon tea or a festive gathering.
Each bite of this cake transports you to the charming streets of the Basque region, where tradition meets taste. With its flaky exterior and luscious filling, Gateau Basque is not just food; it’s a celebration of flavors that will leave you dreaming about a second slice. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Gateau Basque Cake combines simplicity with rich flavor, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- The balance of sweet and tart cherry filling creates a flavor explosion that dances on your palate.
- Visually stunning, it’s sure to be the centerpiece at any gathering or dinner party.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!
Ingredients for Gateau Basque Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the cake’s tender texture; sifted flour helps achieve lightness.
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Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness; consider using organic sugar for a richer flavor.
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Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming with sugar; it enhances the cake’s richness.
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Eggs: They provide structure and moisture; ensure they’re at room temperature for better incorporation.
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Cherry Jam or Preserves: For the traditional filling, opt for high-quality jam that captures the essence of cherries.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavors; avoid imitation varieties for the best results.
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Baking Powder: A leavening agent ensuring your cake rises nicely; check expiration dates for effectiveness.
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Milk: Provides moisture to the batter; whole milk works best but feel free to use your preferred type.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Gateau Basque Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease an 8-inch round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper—this helps the cake release easily later.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this mixture into your wet ingredients while alternating with milk until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Spread cherry jam evenly over this layer and then gently pour remaining batter on top. Smooth out the surface as best as you can—it’s okay if some jam peeks through!
Step 5: Bake
Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring onto a wire rack. Once cooled completely, slice yourself a generous piece and serve with whipped cream or enjoy as is!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your homemade Gateau Basque Cake that will undoubtedly steal hearts (and stomachs)!
You Must Know
- This delightful Gateau Basque Cake brings a taste of France right to your kitchen.
- The buttery crust and luscious filling will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Perfect for any occasion, this cake is elegant yet surprisingly easy to make.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough for the Gateau Basque Cake. While it chills, mix your filling ingredients. Once the dough is ready, layer it in your baking dish and fill it with the delicious filling before sealing it with more dough.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different fillings like almond cream or pastry cream. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the dough for an extra flavor kick that will delight your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Gateau Basque Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To enjoy it warm, simply pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect flaky crust, avoid overworking the dough; mix until just combined.
- Ensure your filling is cooled before adding to prevent sogginess.
- And remember, patience is key when letting the cake set after baking!
I remember the first time I baked Gateau Basque Cake; my friends were blown away by how rich and flavorful it was. They thought I had taken a culinary class in France!
FAQs:
What is Gateau Basque Cake?
Gateau Basque Cake is a traditional dessert from the Basque region of France. This delightful cake features a rich pastry crust filled with creamy pastry cream or fruit preserves, often cherry or almond. The outer layer is typically golden and slightly crisp, while the interior remains soft and flavorful. Made without pork or alcohol, this version uses chicken broth for flavor enhancement if needed, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
How do you store Gateau Basque Cake?
To store Gateau Basque Cake properly, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Store the cake in the refrigerator if you have used perishable fillings like cream. It can last for up to five days when stored correctly. For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic and then foil for up to three months.
Can I customize the filling of Gateau Basque Cake?
Yes, you can customize the filling of Gateau Basque Cake according to your preference. While traditional recipes often use pastry cream or fruit preserves, feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors. Consider using almond extract or different fruit options like raspberry or apricot. Just ensure that any alternative fillings do not contain pork products or alcohol.
Is Gateau Basque Cake suitable for special diets?
Gateau Basque Cake can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences by substituting certain ingredients. To make it more health-conscious, consider using whole grain flours or natural sweeteners. Additionally, ensure that all components avoid animal-derived gelatin and any non-compliant ingredients. With these adjustments, this cake can fit into many different dietary plans while remaining delicious.
Conclusion for Gateau Basque Cake:
Gateau Basque Cake is a delicious treat that showcases rich flavors and textures synonymous with French dessert culture. By utilizing alternative ingredients such as chicken and plant-based gelling agents, this recipe remains accessible to a wider audience. Customizing the filling allows for personal creativity while maintaining tradition. With proper storage techniques, you can enjoy this cake fresh over several days. Try making this delightful dessert today!
Gateau Basque Cake
Indulge in the delightful taste of Gateau Basque Cake, a traditional French dessert that features a buttery crust enveloping a luscious cherry filling. This cake is not only visually stunning but also surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion—from cozy family gatherings to elegant dinner parties. Each slice offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, leaving everyone craving more. Enjoy it warm or paired with ice cream for an extra treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup cherry jam or preserves
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually combine with wet ingredients while alternating with milk until smooth.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Spread cherry jam evenly over it and top with the remaining batter.
- Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and serve as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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